What to Expect

[Schedule]
13:00 Open
13:15 Show start
14:15 Finish
※ This 'Day Time Show' is held only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
※ All English

[Additional info]
Please arrive at the theater at least 5 minutes before the show time.
Please refrain from eating and drinking in the theater.

[Overview]
Learn the arts of the samurai as you enjoy a 1-hour Kembu show, a traditional sword performance celebrating the culture of this ancient Japanese warrior class, in Kyoto. Head to Kyoto’s Samurai Kembu Theater to admire the intricate movements of traditional and new-style Kembu performances, celebrating the legendary stories of Japan’s feudal period. You’ll also hear a fascinating talk before the performance and have time for a photo session with samurai sword and the performers post-show.

- What You Can Expect -
Journey back in time more than 700 years, to Japan’s feudal period, as you
enjoy Kembu, a sword performance associated with the country’s samurai
warriors. This fascinating show combines the grace, beauty and power of
samurai sword practice with a chance to learn about the culture of historic
Japan.

Begin your performance at Kyoto’s Samurai Kembu Theater, your arrival
coinciding with your selected show time. Before starting the show, take off
your shoes (in traditional Japanese style) and find your seat. Your show
begins with narration from a performer, who provides an informative
introduction to the history and techniques of the traditional art of Kembu.
The show then continues with a series of Kembu demonstrations. Before each
demo, you’ll hear a short history lesson about samurai culture, detailing
the practices of this enigmatic warrior class that dominated ancient Japan
between the 12th and 19th centuries. It’s said that Kembu evolved as a
discipline to help samurai boost their courage and focus their minds for the
rigors of battle.

During the performance you’ll have the chance to admire both traditional and
new-style Kembu rituals, each of which involves a performer who will brandish
their sword in a series of intricate movements while reciting samurai poems
used before heading to the battlefield. You’ll also learn the art of the
Japanese folding fan and discover the meaning behind the ceremony of seppuku
(ritual suicide), which is also called hara-kiri.

Finish your immersion into samurai culture with a photo session, take a few
candid shots with the performers.

What‘s included

Entrance fees

What‘s not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities(optional)

Important

This 'Day Time Show' is held only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Please arrive at the theater at least 5 minutes before the show time.

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[Price]
Adult: 3,000 Yen
Child(5-11yrs old): 2,000 Yen
[Schedule]
13:00 Open
13:15 Show start
14:15 Finish
※ This 'Day Time Show' is held only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
※ All English
[Additional info]
Please arrive at the theater... View more